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Author Notes:I've been increasingly into making entree salads rather than just side salads, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Roasting the apples and asparagus means you don't have to have perfectly fresh produce (this is a great "using up things in the kitchen" recipe), and it also gives them a deeper, more caramelized flavor. You can really substitute any favorite fruit-veggie combo here - pears would be a good apple substitute, for instance, or green beans for the asparagus. Paired with greens, chicken, and a simple dressing, this salad makes a great lunch or dinner. I top it with a bit of blue cheese for extra tang. —cupcakemuffin

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Serves 2

For the Salad

8
spears asparagus

1
apple, peeled and cubed

Olive oil

1
chicken breast, pounded 1/2-inch thick

Spray oil

Salt and pepper

4
cups baby greens

Mustard Vinaigrette, recipe below

1
ounce blue cheese, crumbled

Mustard Vinaigrette

3
tablespoons olive oil

1
tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/2
tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the asparagus and apple with olive oil, and spread on a foil-lined baking sheet in one even layer. Roast until tender.

Meanwhile, spray a nonstick skillet with oil and heat over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and then cook in the skillet until nicely browned and cooked through.

Make the vinaigrette: place the oil, vinegar, and mustard in a small jar and shake until combined. Season with salt and pepper, and then taste on a piece of lettuce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces, and cube the chicken. Toss the asparagus and chicken with the apple, baby greens, and vinaigrette. Divide among two plates and top with crumbled blue cheese.